Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado Springs, is pushing to open up two million acres of public land to oil shale development. Those who live near there say they want to know more about the impacts of development.

WASHINGTON — Western Slope mayors and community leaders are fighting mad at Rep. Doug Lamborn.

The Colorado Springs Republican is pushing to open up land to oil shale development in their communities without taking into account local impacts, they say. In addition, Lamborn’s Pioneers Act — which mandates 125,000 acres of public land for oil shale development and exploration — gives local communities and the state lower royalty rates than traditional oil and gas leases.

“It’s not a good deal for us,” said Rifle Mayor Jay Miller, a Republican. “We’re not against oil shale or gas development here, we just want it done in a way that doesn’t drive us into the ground.”

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.